Recent Highlights

“The Current State of Germany Politics”
On January 24, the ACG partnered with the Robert Bosch Foundation Alumni Association and Cultural Vistas to hold a transatlantic town hall connection participants in Berlin, New York and Washington, DC.

The discussion was moderated by Brent Goff, Chief News Anchor at Deutsche Welle, and featured Julie Smith, former Deputy National Security Advisor to Vice President Biden, Sudha David-Wilp (former ACG McCloy Fellow), Deputy Director at the German Marshall Fund’s Berlin Office, and Sumi Somaskanda, a reporter and anchor with Deutsche Welle. The conversation examined current issues in German politics including the end of Chancellor Merkel’s tenure, the changing party landscape, the impact of Brexit, and the evolving transatlantic relationship. The Berlin venue at Dentons was made possible through the support of ACG member Fred Reinke.

“The Western Liberal Order Under Attack: The Future of German-American Relations”
The ACG and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation hosted a discussion and luncheon in New York on November 14 featuring Lars Klingbeil, the Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party and a member of the Bundestag. Following of state elections in Bavaria and Hesse as well as the midterms in the United States, Mr. Klingbeil visited New York and Washington to learn more about the political climate in the United States. He talked about some of the current challenges that are putting the rules-based post-war liberal order under strain. In domestic politics, both Germany and the United States are grappling with political polarization and the rise of populism on the fringes. At the same time, both countries are competing with international forces and competition from countries like Russia and China.

“Contemporary German-Jewish Relations: Reflections from the Heartland”On November 5, the ACG and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) partnered to host a breakfast briefing with former German diplomat Stefan Schlüter reflecting on his two-week speaking tour on contemporary German-Jewish relations to 12 cities in the southeastern and midwestern regions of the United States. His initial reflections were followed by a deeper discussion about his experience traveling in the heartland, contemporary German-Jewish relations, and politics in the United States and Germany. Listen to an interview with two University of Wisconsin-Madison students here.

“Self-Perception and External Expectations: Rethinking Germany’s Role on the World Stage”
Dr. Christoph von Marschall, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent with Der Tagesspiegel in Berlin, spoke to some 30 members and friends of the ACG on October 31. He reflected on Germany’s role on the world stage – and its evolving relations with its allies and neighbors which is the subject of his most recent book, Wir verstehen die Welt nicht mehr. After New York, he spoke at ACG’s Chapters in Philadelphia and Washington.

“When Cities Collaborate: Global Public Private Partnerships in the Digital Age?”
Since 2011, the ACG been an integral part of the Transatlantic Entrepreneur Partnership (TEP) Conference. On the evening of October 16, the ACG and the German Consulate General hosted a panel discussion and reception as part of the 2018 TEP Conference. The panel consisted of Ana Arino, Chief Strategy Officer of the NYC EDC; Stefan Franzke, CEO of Berlin Partner; Joachim Köhler, Managing Director of Commerzbank Open Space; and Vanessa Liu, Vice President of SAP.IO Foundry NY. The discussion was moderated by ACG Program Director Robin Cammarota. Listen to the discussion here.

“American and European Views on Economics and Trade in the Trump Era”
At a discussion and luncheon on October 11, Bruce Stokes, Director of Global Economic Attitudes at Pew Research Center, provided an overview of Pew’s survey on public attitudes about trade in 27 countries, conducted from May to August 2018, specifically focusing on the United States and Europe. The survey showed that economic sentiments in the United States, the European Union, and Japan are better than at any other time since the survey was first conducted, in 2002. This phenomenon was particularly pronounced in Germany, where the public’s economic mood stood at 78 percent vs. 28 percent in 2009. Read the study here.

“Current Trends and Challenges in German Politics”
On the morning of October 5, some 30 members of the ACG joined together for a discussion with former Federal Minister of Health Hermann Gröhe, a member of the German Bundestag (CDU) and Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group. Under Chatham House Rules, he shared his perspectives on German domestic politics, both on the local and federal level; the importance of multilateral cooperation to address global challenges; and migration and integration in Germany.

“Is Chemnitz Germany’s Charlottesville Moment?”
At a panel discussion held in cooperation with Deutsches Haus at NYU and NYU’s Center for European and Mediterranean Studies on October 2, ACG Young Leader alumni David Gill, Consul General of Germany in New York, and Çiğdem İpek, a social scientist in Berlin, together with Dr. Christian Martin, Max Weber Visiting Chair in German and European Studies at NYU, and Bundestag member Frank Müller-Rosentritt (FDP), juxtaposed recent anti-immigrant protests in Chemnitz with right-wing extremism in the United States, while examining popular sentiments that have fomented hatred and xenophobia in pockets of both countries.

On October 2, the American Council on Germany held a breakfast briefing with academic and author Dr. Adam Tooze. He discussed the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on the transatlantic relationship, expressed significant concerns about the state of the transatlantic partnership. Not only do the deep economic interdependencies between Europe and the United States remain, but politicians, primarily on the European side, have not yet fully accepted the extent of the interconnectedness, nor adequately understood the causes of the financial crisis which did not just emanate from the United States.

“The Future of the German-American Relationship”
As the final event of September, the ACG hosted an off-the-record discussion with Dr. A. Wess Mitchell on September 28. Dr. Mitchell has been the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State since October 2017, and he made time in his busy schedule during the week of the United Nations General Assembly to speak on the future of the German-American relationship. Dr. Mitchell participated in the ACG’s Young Leaders Study Group on the Future of Europe: Demographic Trends, Migration, and Social Cohesion in 2009 and 2010.

“The Reality Behind Artificial Intelligence”
NORD/LB welcomed members and friends of the ACG on September 27 for a luncheon and discussion with Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel. His talk on artificial intelligence covered the history of computer learning and a variety of contemporary applications to artificial intelligence – and how it impacts our lives today.

“The Opportunities and Challenges of Digitalization in the Workplace”
On September 21, Reiner Hoffmann, Chairman of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), gave remarks on the future of work over lunch, which was hosted by the Morgan Stanley Foundation & Endowment Services. Mr. Hoffmann highlighted the drivers impacting the world of work and provided insights on the processes, policies, and conditions that should be pursued to shape the work of the future.

“Transatlantic Cooperation: Indispensable for American Prosperity, Freedom in Europe, and Global Security”
During a luncheon on September 17, Peter Beyer, German Coordinator for Transatlantic Cooperation for the German Federal Foreign Office and also a member of the Bundestag (CDU), addressed the ACG at the offices of Penguin Random House. He provided an overview of the key issues on the transatlantic agenda, his assessment of the state of the German-American relationship, and insights on the challenges looming on the horizon including trade agreements, the possibility of Germany providing 2% of GDP to NATO, and what Brexit means to the EU and Germany.

“Authoritarianism, Populism, and Challenges to Democracy: A German Perspective”
On the evening of September 10, Annalena Baerbock, Co-Chair of Alliance 90/The Greens and a member of the Bundestag, joined more than 70 members and friends of the ACG for a Political Salon, supported by the German Consulate and the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Ms. Baerbock was a journalist before becoming involved in politics, and in her current role she has helped lead the German Green Party to a surge in the polls. Her remarks focused on the changing role of the Green Party and what can be done to counter populist trends and authoritarianism.

“Planning for the Future: Current Environmental Challenges Facing Germany”
On a stormy evening, just over a dozen members and friends of the American Council on Germany gathered for a Political Salon with Bundestag Member Klaus Mindrup (SPD). A biologist and project developer be training, he serves as a member of the Bundestag’s Committee on the Environment, Nature Conversation, and Nuclear Safety, as well as the Committee on Building, Housing, Urban Development, and Local Government. In his remarks, Mr. Mindrup focused on Germany’s commitment to climate protection and the Energiewende, or energy transition.

“Transatlantic Relations After the G7 and NATO Summits”
Three weeks into her tenure as German Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Emily M. Haber shared her insights on the state of the transatlantic relationship with about 70 members and friends of the American Council on Germany. The event was sponsored by DZ BANK.

In his introduction, ACG President Dr. Steven E. Sokol said that many of her previous postings have prepared Ambassador Haber for her new role in Washington. A career diplomat, she has served in Moscow and Ankara and as Political Director and then State Secretary in the German Foreign Office and most recently as State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Ambassador Haber said that she is looking forward to her new position. People comment about how difficult her tenure will be, and how deep the transatlantic rift is. However, she said that “no country is more relevant to the security of Germany than the United States.” In her previous position at the Ministry of the Interior, she had an up-close view of the deep cooperation between Germany and the United States on security – cooperation that helped foil multiple terrorist attacks. In terms of threats that are likely to keep one up late at night, the transatlantic relationship is not high on the list. China’s emergence as a superpower, cyber security, Russian malign behavior, and terrorism are more worrisome. Furthermore, she said Germany and the United States have shared interests, active cooperation, and a desire to sustain and protect the way we live and what we value.

“Transatlantic Dissonance: Reporting from Both Sides of the Atlantic”
On June 19, more than 40 members and friends of the American Council on Germany gathered for the annual Garrick Utley Memorial Lecture on Global Media Issues featuring award-winning journalist and author Dr. Christoph von Marschall. In his remarks, he reflected on the state of the transatlantic relationship, German and European politics, and the responsibility of media on both sides of the Atlantic to accurately portray the issues of the day. No stranger to American politics, Dr. von Marschall has been reporting from both sides of the Atlantic for more than two decades. During the Obama administration, he served as the only German correspondent in the White House press corps. As the inaugural Helmut Schmidt Fellow at the German Marshall Fund in Washington, Dr. von Marshall still has the opportunity to regularly attend White House press conferences. These experiences have given him unique insights.

“The End of an Era? – Transatlantic Relations in the Age of Trump”
More than 30 members and friends of the American Council on Germany gathered to hear journalist and author James Kirchick, a Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution, share his insights on hot-button issues in the transatlantic relationship, including the Paris climate agreement, the Iran nuclear deal, and trade. Mr. Kirchick acknowledged that there have been disruptions in the transatlantic relationship, but he stressed that rumors of the death of German-American relations are greatly exaggerated. The event was held in partnership with Deutsches Haus at NYU.

“National Security and the Transatlantic Partnership in a Post-Truth World”On June 7, the American Council on Germany welcomed General Michael V. Hayden at a Breakfast Briefing hosted at Sidley Austin LLP. In his introduction, ACG President Dr. Steven E. Sokol noted that in past meetings with the ACG in September 2016 and January 2017, General Hayden had argued that the world order has changed significantly and that the old rules for navigating the international environment no longer apply. In his remarks now, based on his recent book, The Assault on Intelligence: American National Security in an Age of Lies, General Hayden outlined a new challenge. We are experiencing a redefinition or an assault on truth and a rejection of the values of the Enlightenment based on facts, data, reason, and observation.

“Media in a Society in Crisis: How Can Media Serve as a Control on Power and as a Social Adhesive?”
At a Political Salon on May 30, Peter Weissenburger, an Editor at Die Tageszeitung, shared his findings about local journalism after completing an Anna-Maria and Stephen M. Kellen Fellowship. The ACG fellowship allowed Mr. Weissenburger to travel to Chicago, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, DC, to look at the local media scenes and how they are evolving. He presented three theses in light of his research: 1. There is a crisis of reporting in U.S. media. 2. There is a crisis of cultural representation in U.S. media. 3. None of this is President Trump’s fault. Despite the significant financial tumult in the local-newspaper industry, Mr. Weissenburger said the people he met with were optimistic about the future; they acknowledge that local news outlets are in dire straits but maintain that change is afoot. One of his meeting partners said media are simply transitioning from one regime to another, and local journalists have to be more entrepreneurial. The event was held in cooperation with the European Union Studies Center at the CUNY Graduate Center.

“The Future of European Security Cooperation and the Dangers Facing the Liberal Order”
At a luncheon on May 24, Nikolas Löbel, a newly elected member of the German Bundestag (CDU/CSU), outlined areas for improvement in transatlantic relations and also within the European Union. Born in 1986, Mr. Löbel grew up in a world where Germany was unified and the European Union was a given, as were peace and prosperity. Postwar questions about Germany and the future of Europe had been presumed to be answered, but now many of these issues need to be resolved once again. A member of the Bundestag’s Foreign Policy Committee, Mr. Löbel said Germany has been looking for the best way to interact with President Trump. He acknowledged that the United States is tired of dealing with crises on its own, and that Germany and the EU need to take leadership in concert with the U.S. He underlined the importance of finding achievable goals, and he emphasized that policy in general must be more proactive and practical in nature. The event was held in cooperation with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.

“Is Democracy Dying”
On May 21, Dr. Yascha Mounk, a Lecturer at Harvard University and author of The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It, discussed current pressure points where democracy appears to be under threat – both blatantly, as in Hungary, and more insidiously, as in populism in Germany and the United States. He cited polls indicating declining confidence in democracy. One poll found that, when asked if it’s important to live in a democracy, two-thirds of Americans born in the 1930s and 1940s said yes, while less than a third of those born after 1980 agree. He also identified areas where democracy can be reinforced. The event was hosted by Alston & Bird LLP.

“Regional Visioning: Transforming City Regions and Public Participation”
The ACG partnered with the University Alliance Ruhr and the German Center for Research and Innovation on a panel discussion at the German House in New York. The discussion on April 19 was moderated by 2017 McCloy Fellow on Global Trends, Bettina Oberhauser, Editor for Hessischer Rundfunk; and included Ullrich Sierau, Lord Mayor of Dortmund; Jamie Bemis, Account Manager for Bright Power and 2017 McCloy Fellow on Global Trends; Wolfram Hoefer, Co-director of the Rutgers University Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability; and James Koth, Director of Parks & Recreation for Bergen County, New Jersey.

“Forging the ‘China Solution’ as a Challenge for the West: How the Chinese Communist Party Tries to Win Influence in Europe”
On April 12, the ACG held an event, hosted by Alston & Bird LLP, with Dr. Kristin Shi-Kupfer, Director of the Research Area on Public Policy and Society at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), who drew on a recently released MERICS report to discuss China’s efforts to gain influence in Europe.

On March 29, nearly 40 Washington-area Young Leader alumni and several guests gathered for a discussion with CDU Bundestag member Peter Beyer, a longtime friend of the ACG who works in the Bundestag’s Committee on Foreign Affairs. The group participated in a wide-ranging discussion on trade, NATO, cybersecurity, the newly formed German government, and current relations with the U.S. government. The ACG is grateful to corporate member Volkswagen for hosting this Breakfast Briefing, and to Board member David Geanacopoulos for moderating the program.

“The New German Government and Challenges to German Democracy”
Together with the European Union Studies Center and the Graduate Center at CUNY, the ACG hosted a discussion on March 23 with historian Dr. Heidi Tworek on the new German government and the challenges to German democracy. Frank Priess, Deputy Head of the Konrad‐Adenauer‐Stiftung’s Department for European and International Cooperation in Berlin, and Dr. Christian Martin, Max Weber Chair in German and European Studies at NYU, offered additional insights to the discussion, moderated by Dr. Sokol, on German domestic politics, the future of Europe, and implications for the transatlantic alliance.

“Is the International System Broken? Multilateralism in the 21st Century”
On March 21, Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman (1986 Young Leader), Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs at the United Nations, discussed the future of multilateralism at a luncheon sponsored by corporate member DZ BANK. He shared his insights about crises around the world and how the UN has been working to mitigate these crises.

“International Value Chains in an Age of Protectionism: Productivity, Employment and Spill-Over Effects”
The ACG partnered with the Bavarian Industry Association (vbw) and the Bavarian Employers’ Associations for the Metalworking and Electrical Industries (bayme vbm), both corporate members, to host a luncheon and discussion on March 12 featuring Professor Dr. Michael Hüther, Director of the German Economic Institute. Bertram Brossardt, CEO of bayme vbm and Executive Vice President and CEO of vbw, gave opening remarks underscoring the important economic bonds between Bavaria and the United States. With the rising tide of protectionism, Dr. Hüther suggested that multilateral institutions should be reinforced and the WTO strengthened to ensure that the three “leading economic powers” – Europe, China, and the United States – can work through differences.

“Innovation and Digitalization: Technology Is the Key to Transforming the Future”
On March 7, the ACG hosted an event with Dr. Reinhard Ploss, CEO of Infineon Technologies, for a wide-ranging discussion about the challenges – and opportunities – posed by the need for constant innovation in an increasingly digital society. He also discussed the impact technology is having on developing responses to global megatrends.

“A Misaligned Alliance? How Germans and Americans Think about Today’s Common Global Challenge”
In late February and early March, the ACG collaborated on two back-to-back panel discussions with the Pew Research Center and the Körber Stiftung, to present the findings of opinion surveys by Pew and Körber regarding the state of the German-American relationship. The Pew and Körber studies may be accessed at www.pewresearch.org and www.theberlinpulse.org.

The first of the two panels took place in Washington, DC, on February 28 and was moderated by ACG President Dr. Steven E. Sokol. The panelists were Boris Ruge, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy; Wendy R. Sherman, Senior Counselor at the Albright Stonebridge Group and former Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs at the U.S. State Department; and Christoph von Marschall (1999 Kellen Fellow), Chief Diplomatic Correspondent at Der Tagesspiegel and 2017 Helmut Schmidt Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

On March 1, Dr. Sokol led a second discussion in New York City, at the CUNY Graduate Center, with Ambassador Jürgen Schulz, Deputy Permanent Representative at the German Mission to the United Nations, and Jeffrey Rathke, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Munich Security ConferenceOn Saturday, February 17, the American Council on Germany partnered with the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies to host an official side event at the Munich Security Conference. More than 50 participants at the MSC – including elected officials, diplomats, journalists, and representatives from European and American think tanks – attended the event, which focused on the domestic challenges in setting foreign policy priorities in an era of political polarization.

H.E. Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, kicked off the discussion By saying that with the populist movements in Europe and the United States one has to make the case for the liberal world order. Bundestag members Niels Annen (SPD) and Andreas Nick (CDU), both of whom serve on the Bundestag’s Committee on Foreign Relations, offered a German perspective. They talked about the new realities that exist at home and abroad which require greater dialogue, exchange, and trust building. Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH) offered their perspectives on the domestic determinants in shaping foreign policy priorities. ACG Board Chairman former U.S. Ambassador John Emerson; Jane Harman, President of the Woodrow Wilson Center; and, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius offered a more global perspective.

“China’s Emergence as a Global Security Actor and Implications for Europe”
On February 12, the ACG and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung hosted a discussion with Mikko Huotari, Head of the Foreign Relations Program at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) in Berlin. In February, MERICS released a report on China’s growing influence, and Mr. Huotari discussed the report’s findings and what they mean for Western countries. He said that particularly in view of their shared interests in security and multilateralism, the European Union and the United States should have a more coordinated response to China.

“Finding a Common Future: Remarks on the European-American Partnership”
Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers, Chairman of the European Commission’s High-Level Group for Industrial Technologies, former Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, and former Federal Minister for Education, Science, Research, and Technology, spoke with members and friends of the ACG at a Breakfast Briefing on February 9. The discussion covered a wide range of themes, including Dr. Rüttgers’ perspectives on Donald Trump after one year in office, the state of the transatlantic relationship, German politics, and the challenges facing Germany and Europe as a result of digitalization and new technologies.

“A Full Standstill Ahead? The Prospects for Another Grand Coalition in Germany”
The ACG, Deutsches Haus at NYU, and NYU’s Center for European and Mediterranean Studies hosted a panel discussion on the coalition talks in Germany on February 1. At the time, it was not clear if a final decision could be reached between the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD) to form a Grand Coalition. In a discussion moderated by ACG President Dr. Steven E. Sokol, Thomas Jahn, New York Correspondent for Handelsblatt and Dr. Christian Martin, Professor of European and Mediterranean Studies and Max Weber Visiting Chair in German and European Studies at NYU, discussed the likelihood that an agreement would be reached, the rather atypical length of time it was taking to reach an agreement, and what might happen if a Grand Coalition did not work. The panel agreed there was a desire for stability in Germany and that ultimately a Grand Coalition would be created.

“Hot Topics in Transatlantic Economic Affairs”
On his way to a G7 preparatory meeting in Toronto, Dr. Lars-Hendrik Röller, Chief Economic Advisor to the Federal Chancellor and Director-General for Economic, Financial, and Energy Policy at the German Chancellery, met with members and friends on January 29 to discuss a broad range of economic issues affecting Germany, Europe, the transatlantic relationship, and the world more broadly. The Breakfast Briefing was sponsored by DZ BANK.

“German-American Relations in Turbulent Times”
On January 18, Ambassador Peter Wittig, Germany’s Ambassador to the United States, spoke with members at a Breakfast Briefing about the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. Ambassador Wittig noted that there has been both stability and changes in the relationship in the past year. The U.S. has continued its policies in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, and counterterrorism in the Middle East, but has broken with previous administrations on its decisions about the Paris climate agreement, the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, and the Iran nuclear deal. While Europe and Germany are concerned about U.S. protectionism, Ambassador Wittig felt that the transatlantic partnership is still intact, and that both sides should invest more in dialogue and engagement. This event was hosted by Bernstein Private Wealth Management.

Annual Meeting of the Members
On January 18, Ambassador Peter Wittig, Germany’s Ambassador to the United States, spoke with members at a Breakfast Briefing about the evolution of the transatlantic relationship. Ambassador Wittig noted that there has been both stability and changes in the relationship in the past year. The U.S. has continued its policies in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, and counterterrorism in the Middle East, but has broken with previous administrations on its decisions about the Paris climate agreement, the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, and the Iran nuclear deal. While Europe and Germany are concerned about U.S. protectionism, Ambassador Wittig felt that the transatlantic partnership is still intact, and that both sides should invest more in dialogue and engagement. This event was hosted by Bernstein Private Wealth Management.

On January 17, the American Council on Germany held its Annual Meeting of the Members and a Board Meeting. Ambassador John B. Emerson, Vice Chairman at Capital Group International and former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, was elected Chairman of the American Council on Germany (ACG) on January 17, 2018. He is the ACG’s sixth Chairman since its founding in 1952, following in the footsteps of John J. McCloy, Senator Charles McC. Mathias, Jr., General John Galvin, Garrick Utley, and Ambassador Robert M. Kimmitt, Senior International Counsel at WilmerHale LLP and also a former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, who had served as ACG Chairman since 2011.

“The German-American relationship is indispensable. It is a great success story – in economic, political, and security terms,” Ambassador Emerson said. “The American Council on Germany plays a significant role in bringing together Germans and Americans to address the wide array of common challenges we face. I am delighted to assume this role, and look forward to building on the ACG’s 65-year history of strengthening the transatlantic relationship.”

Following the ACG held its Annual Meeting of the Members, Dr. Christoph Heusgen, Germany’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed more than 100 members and friends of the ACG. He offered an overview of current German politics, Germany’s foreign policy priorities, and the global issues to watch in 2018. He said Germany is in a better position if it works together with other countries to address today’s challenges, underlining that Germany is committed to an international rules-based order where “everybody can win.”

“The End of Multilateralism? Reflecting on 2017 and Looking Ahead to 2018”
On Monday, December 18, the ACG and Atlantik-Brücke hosted an evening panel discussion with Dr. Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, and German Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Christoph Heusgen. During the conversation, which was moderated by Friedrich Merz, Chairman of AB, the two discussed the state of multilateralism, the United States’ role in the world, the future of transatlantic relations.

“The End of Jamaica, the End of Merkel? Analyzing What Happened and Predicting What Lies Ahead”Two months after the German election, on November 30, the ACG, Deutsches Haus at NYU, and NYU’s Center for European and Mediterranean Studies reconvened a post-election panel to talk about coalition negotiations and the path forward with Dr. Sheri Berman, Professor of Political Science at Barnard College and Columbia University; Thomas Jahn, New York Correspondent for Handelsblatt; and Dr. Christian Martin, Professor of European and Mediterranean Studies and Max Weber Visiting Chair in German and European Studies at New York University. The discussion, moderated by ACG President Dr. Steven E. Sokol, covered a wide range of topics, from the failure to reach a coalition agreement between the Christian Democrats, the Free Democrats, and the Greens, to the possibility of a renewed Grand Coalition with the Social Democrats, to Merkel’s leadership skills and potential successors. Whatever the outcome of new coalition talks, the panelists agreed that Germany is stable and that it will remain committed to Europe. Listen to portions of the discussion here.

“New Priorities? Germany’s UN Policy after the Elections”
On November 27, at an evening discussion held in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Bundestag Member Dr. Andreas Nick (CDU) reflected on the failed coalition talks and Germany’s continued commitment to international affairs as it campaigns to become a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council. Dr. Nick said Germany remains committed to European integration, the transatlantic relationship, the environment, and free trade and open markets. In his view, there is significant consensus on foreign policy in Germany, and the basis of any German government’s strategic interest will be to maintain the current world order.

“China’s Role in the World after the 19th Party Congress”On November 17, Tim Wenniges (2014 Young Leader) addressed members and friends of the ACG at the New York office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. As the current head of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Office in Shanghai, Mr. Wenniges discussed the recent 19th Party Congress, China’s evolving role on the international stage, and President Donald Trump’s trip to Asia.

“‘We Have to Keep Talking!’ Transatlantic Relations in an Age of Disruption”
On November 16, the American Council on Germany held a discussion and luncheon with Bundestag Member Jürgen Hardt (CDU), who addressed the current state of the German government’s relationship with the Trump administration. The event was sponsored by DZ BANK. Despite some concern in Germany around the U.S. election and Inauguration Day, Mr. Hardt – who also serves as Foreign Policy Spokesman of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group and as the Coordinator of Transatlantic Cooperation in the Federal Foreign Office – made assurances that the interaction between President Trump and Chancellor Merkel is frequent and positive. He underscored the strong presence of German business in the United States, stating that “we are not competitors; we are partners.” Mr. Hardt also acknowledged some challenges the transatlantic relationship still faces.

“The Evolution of International Terrorism and Its Domestic Impact”On November 10, one week after a terrorist attack in New York City killed eight people, the ACG and the Global Center on Cooperative Security hosted a discussion with terrorism expert Dr. Guido Steinberg, Senior Associate for the Middle East and Africa at Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, SWP). He addressed a wide range of issues associated with international terrorism and counterterrorism efforts, including the development of international jihadist terrorism, the terrorist threat in Germany, and Uzbek jihadism.

“Polarization, Populism, and Politics in Germany and the United States: A Comparative Analysis”
With a view to analyzing the changing political landscape in Europe and the United States, the ACG and Deutsches Haus at NYU hosted a Political Salon on November 2 with Christopher Cermak, Editor of Handelsblatt Global, on the rise of populism and the polarization of politics on both sides of the Atlantic. Having been raised in Europe by Austrian and American parents, Mr. Cermak has gotten unique exposure to the mindsets on either side of the Atlantic. A deep sense of frustration on both sides has led to this polarization and the rise of populism on the political fringes. He believes that the best way to confront populism is to address the sense of hopelessness that many people feel, to provide real solutions to their problems, and to bring the U.S. and Germany forward together. Listen to portions of the discussion here.

“Russia and the West: What’s Next?”
On October 30, about 40 members and friends gathered for the final event in this current format for a discussion and luncheon with Young Leader alumna Dr. Angela Stent, Director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies and Professor of Government and Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She discussed the relationship between Russia and the West in great detail, including the interaction of Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin.

“Three Elections and a Brexit: The Unraveling of Europe?”
On October 13, about 35 members and friends of the American Council on Germany gathered for a dynamic discussion and luncheon hosted by PwC Strategy& featuring former German diplomat AmbassadorThomas Matussek. A career Foreign Service Officer who served as German Ambassador to the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and India, he now consults for businesses and governments on the impact of Brexit and other matters. Ambassador Matussek began by outlining a litany of challenges Europe is up against, including but not limited to Brexit, the refugee crisis, disparities between richer central European countries and a poorer south, high youth unemployment in Spain and Greece, secessionist tendencies in Catalonia and elsewhere, EU candidate Turkey drifting in the wrong direction, and open conflict on Europe’s eastern border.

“Lessons Learned from Berlin’s Innovation and Digital Transformation”
On the periphery of this year’s Transatlantic Entrepreneur Partnership Conference, the ACG hosted a Breakfast Briefing on October 11 with Christian Rickerts, Berlin State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises. Some 30 ACG members and friends gathered at DZ BANK for a lively discussion of the challenges Berlin faces and the city’s efforts to become more sustainable through the use of technology.

“Parsing Germany’s Election Results and Coalition Negotiations”
Less than two weeks after the German federal election, the make-­‐up of the new government remains in flux as coalition negotiations have not officially begun. On October 5, the ACG and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung hosted a panel discussion to reflect on the election results, consider the challenges of coalition building, and dissect what it all means for Europe and the transatlantic relationship. The evening began with opening statements from Nico Lange, Director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s Washington Office, and Jeffrey Rathke, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, followed by a discussion moderated by ACG President Dr. Steven E. Sokol.

“After the German Federal Election: Analyzing the Results and Looking Ahead”On September 25, the day after Germans took to the polls, more than 90 people gathered at Deutsches Haus at NYU for a panel discussion on the German federal election, organized by the American Council on Germany, Deutsches Haus at NYU, NYU’s Center for European and Mediterranean Studies, the CUNY European Union Studies Center, and CUNY’s Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies. The event was moderated by ACG’s president, Dr. Steven E. Sokol, and featured Dr. Sheri Berman, Professor of Political Science at Barnard College and Columbia University, Thomas Jahn, New York Correspondent for Handelsblatt, and Dr. Christian Martin, Professor of European and Mediterranean Studies and Max Weber Visiting Chair in German and European Studies at New York University.

Dr. Sokol began by saying that although the German and international press described the German campaign season as “boring,” some of the election results were surprising. He even went so far as to say that there was a “seismic shift” in the German body politic. He summarized the results as follows:
-Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats took a beating – but she came through and will serve a fourth term as Chancellor.
-Both the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats had their worst election results since 1949 – with 33% and 20.5% respectively.
-For the first time in more than 50 years, a populist right-wing party will be represented in the Bundestag. Not only that, but the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the third largest party with nearly 13% of the vote.
-And, after failing to pass the five percent hurdle four years ago the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) are back. And, the next Bundestag will increase in size to over 700 seats – with seven parties represented.

“Germany: Final Countdown to the Elections”On September 19, the ACG hosted a breakfast discussion with David Gill, Consul General of Germany in New York. He discussed the upcoming German elections, the growing popularity of the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland, and the likelihood of Chancellor Merkel being re-elected. A long time friend of the ACG and 1992 Young Leader, Gill became Consul General this summer. Special thanks to DZ BANK AG for sponsoring this discussion.

“Understanding the Global World of Jihad”
The day after the release of her book I Was Told to Come Alone: My Journey Behind the Lines of Jihad, the American Council on Germany held a Political Salon in the New York offices of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, with investigative journalist Souad Mekhennet. Best known for her work covering the Middle East, North Africa, radical Islamic movements, and terrorism since shortly after September 11, Ms. Mekhennet has spent her career trying to understand the reasons for radicalization. She has been able to shed light on the global network of jihad. Some 25 members and friends of the ACG attended a lively discussion moderated by ACG President Dr. Steven E. Sokol. Covering a number of topics, she described some of her interactions with members of terrorist organizations, her life as a Muslim woman in Europe, and her work as a journalist.

“German Approaches to Crisis Prevention and the Marshall Plan for Africa”
On June 5, 1947, Secretary of State George C. Marshall delivered a speech at Harvard University that would later become the blueprint for the Marshall Plan for post-­‐war reconstruction. Seventy years and one day later, on June 6, 2017, Bundestag Member Thorsten Frei spoke at an event co-­‐sponsored by the American Council on Germany and the New York office of the Konrad-­‐Adenauer-­‐Stiftung. In prepared remarks and a lively discussion with 25 ACG members and friends, Mr. Frei talked about foreign policy, national security, development aid, and crisis prevention – as well as Germany’s Marshall Plan for Africa.

“Covering Politics in a ‘Post-Truth’ World: European Elections, Populism, and Fake News”On May 26, nearly 50 members and friends of the Council gathered for the sixth Garrick Utley Memorial Lecture on Global Media Issues. This year the lecture featured a panel discussion with the General Director of Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), Tom Buhrow, and WDR’s Television Director and election analyst Jörg Schönenborn. Moderated by ACG President Dr. Steven E. Sokol, the discussion focused on U.S., European, and German politics; the rise of populism; and some of the hurdles media outlets face in the digital age. For an excerpt of the discussion, please visit soundcloud.

“Transatlantic Economic Relations: Current Challenges and Perspectives”Matthias Machnig, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, spoke with nearly 40 members of the ACG on May 25 at DZ BANK in New York. He discussed challenges and opportunities in Europe and the transatlantic relationship. He observed that this is a period of great change on many levels, but particularly in economic, political, and geostrategic terms.

“Agriculture and Water Policy”
On May 22, the ACG partnered with the German Embassy to host a small dinner with Christian Schmidt, the German Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture. In brief remarks, he talked about resource scarcity and food security as catalysts for addressing some of today’s overarching global challenges, like migration. He made an impassioned plea for greater transatlantic cooperation in meeting these challenges. With a view to the G20 Summit in Hamburg, he highlighted agriculture as a key factor for sustainability – and said access to food is a significant contributor to political stability.

“Global Attitudes and Foreign Policy in an Era of Populism”
On May 18, the ACG hosted an evening discussion and reception with Dr. James Bell, Vice President of Global Strategy at Pew Research, and Jan Techau, Director of the Richard C. Holbrook Forum at the American Academy in Berlin. Some 20 ACG members and Fellowship Alumni attended the event at CMS. Law. Tax. in Berlin. During the discussion, which was moderated by ACG President Dr. Steven E. Sokol, the panel discussed public opinion in the United States and Europe, foreign and security policy, and some of the key challenges facing the transatlantic community. You can listen to a recording of this discussion on soundcloud.

“How Stable Is Europe? A Stock-Taking of the Latest Developments in Politics and Financial Markets”
During a discussion and luncheon on May 4, Dr. Joachim Wuermeling, a member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank who is responsible for the Directorates General Markets and Information Technology, shared an overview of the range of challenges facing the eurozone with a group of 50 members and friends of the ACG at Morgan Stanley. Read his speech here.

“Europe’s Superwahljahr: New Challenges for Europe?”On April 10, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff (1997 Young Leader), Vice President of the European Parliament, discussed some of the regional, national, and supranational challenges for Europe in a critical election year. The luncheon was hosted by Alston & Bird LLP. In an extremely frank and open exchange, he shared his very optimistic views on Europe’s Superwahljahr, or super election year. With national elections in the Netherlands, France, the UK, Germany, and possibly Italy, as well as state elections, 2017 is a critical year for Europe. Graf Lambsdorff underlined the importance of a strong the Franco-German partnership for the future of the EU.

“Future Challenges to the German-American Economic Relationship in the Trump Administration”On April 7, the American Council on Germany partnered with the Transatlantic Academy to hold a panel discussion on the economic challenges the transatlantic partnership faces in an age of globalization. More than 50 ACG members and friends attended the event, which was hosted by PwC Strategy& and featured Dr. Wade Jacoby, Professor of Political Science at Brigham Young University, and Dr. Harold James, Claude and Lore Kelly Professor of European Studies at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. Gideon Rachman, Chief Foreign Affairs Columnist at the Financial Times, moderated the discussion. The panel reflected on both the preexisting and changing nature of German-American economic ties, noting that many of the challenges are not new. They are simply more apparent since the election of Trump.

“Five American Foreign Policy Traditions: How Does President Trump’s Approach Stack Up?”
Recognizing its 65th anniversary, the American Council on Germany held its Annual Meeting on March 29, 2017. Former ACG Board member Ambassador Robert B. Zoellick, who served as President of the World Bank and as U.S. Trade Representative, delivered a keynote address to nearly 100 members and friends. He described five U.S. foreign policy traditions and put President Donald J. Trump’s early foreign policy positions in an historic context. In his introduction, ACG Chairman Ambassador Robert M. Kimmitt described Ambassador Zoellick as having both extraordinary breadth and true depth of knowledge on an array of issues.

“Efforts at the UN and in Germany to Promote Gender Equity in a Changing WorkEnvironment”On a snowy March 14, the ACG and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung hosted a breakfast briefing with Bundestag Member Ursula Groden-Kranich (CDU). Ms. Groden-Kranich discussed the steps that Germany is taking in order to close the gender pay gap. Read more about the discussion here.

“Germany in the Super Election Year 2017: Implications for Germany’s Standing in Europe and the Transatlantic Relationship”On February 27, the ACG hosted a discussion and luncheon with Dr. Jürgen Rüttgers, former Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia and former Federal Minister for Education, Science, Research, and Technology. Dr. Rüttgers discussed the challenges facing Europe during the “Super Election Year.” While he did not make specific predictions regarding the outcome of the German election in September, he did note the presence of forces similar to those which influenced the U.S. election in 2016. He highlighted the populist disenchantment with political elites.

Munich Security ConferenceThe ACG partnered with the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies (AICGS) to host a breakfast briefing as an official side event at the Munich Security Conference. General David Petraeus and Bundestag member Dr. Norbert Röttgen (CDU) kicked off a lively discussion on the challenges facing the transatlantic partnership.

During the the discussion – which included German politicians as well as journalists, academics, and other foreign policy experts from both sides of the Atlantic – the group focused on the common challenges posed by powers such as Russia, China, and North Korea as well as non-state actors and Islamic extremists. They also talked about cyber security, the rise of populism, and elections. There was consensus that complexity and uncertainty are the hallmarks of today’s world order and that the internal fragility of the transatlantic alliance can contribute to the destabilization of society.

Participants agreed that the transatlantic partnership cannot be taken for granted. It must be maintained. While many of the attendees at the ACG-AICGS event agreed with the messages delivered by Vice President Pence and Defense Secretary Mattis at the MSC, they questioned how to reconcile those messages of support for NATO and a common security framework with the statements of President Trump.

“The Euro Area: The Current Economic Situation and the Ongoing Need for Institutional Reforms”On February 9, Dr. Johannes Beermann, a Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank, discussed past, present, and future economic, fiscal, and monetary policy in the eurozone. More than 20 members and friends of the American Council on Germany braved the wintry weather to hear his insights at a discussion and reception hosted by Dentons US LLP.

“Governing in Uncertain Times: New Leadership in the United States and at the UnitedNations”On January 25, 2017, the ACG hosted a discussion and luncheon with Ambassador Harald Braun, Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations. Some 45 friends and members of the ACG gathered to hear Amb Braun discuss the changing political atmosphere in the EU and the U.S. and what it means for transatlantic relations. Amb. Braun noted that though there has been some skepticism towards to the United Nations from the Trump administration, he was looking forward to working with Nikki Haley as she takes over as the United States Ambassador to the UN.

“Is TTIP Dead? The Future of Transatlantic Trade”As the first event of the year, on January 12, 2017, the ACG and Cultural Vistas hosted a Political Salon with WirtschaftsWoche journalist, Simon Book. Mr. Book gave insights of the history of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and shared his views about the likelihood of a trade agreement being reached under the Trump administration. Though it may be unlikely for TTIP to be approved, Mr. Book does think it is possible that the Trump administration will try to reach bilateral trade agreements.

“After Brexit, U.S. Elections, and Italy’s Referendum: Germany’s Role in Europe”On December 19, 2016, Bundestag Member Peter Beyer (CDU) briefed members about the challenges facing Europe and Germany’s leading role in meeting those challenges at a luncheon hosted by NORD/LB. After the discussion, Mr. Beyer participated in a podcast with Dr. Steven E. Sokol. Listen to the podcast here.

“The Future of Multilateralism: A View from the UN”
At the final Transatlantic Global Agenda event of the year, Germany’s outgoing Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Heiko Thoms, discussed the international order and the importance of multilateral organizations. He expressed concern about a potential vacuum that may emerge if the United States reduces its international engagement.

“Germany’s Leadership Role in the ‘New’ Europe”Nearly 100 people attended a luncheon hosted by the ACG and sponsored by vbw and bayme vbm with Dr. Theo Waigel, former Federal Minister of Finance, on November 21, 2016. Covering a wide range of topics, Dr. Waigel painted a positive picture of Germany’s leadership role within Europe, the importance of a strong transatlantic partnership with the United States, and the success of the European project. He noted that during his time as Finance Minister, he faced great skepticism toward the EU and the euro. But he believes that without the single euro currency, the EU, in particular Germany, would not have been able to survive and recover from the recession of 2008.

“Meeting Today’s Global Challenges: Europe and the United States in Turbulent Times”On November 11, 2016, more than 50 friends and members of the American Council on Germany gathered at a luncheon sponsored by Noerr LLP to hear from Ambassador João Vale de Almeida, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. Just days after the U.S. election, he stated that globalization has introduced a new complexity to global governance, domestic issues, and foreign policy, because it is becoming difficult to separate them from each other. The Ambassador sees 2017 as the start of a new era and said the West should continue to be assertive in defending its values.

“Rising Russia: How to Deal with President Putin and His New Russia”On October 21, 2016, the ACG and American Friends of Bucerius hosted a luncheon with Katja Gloger, Editor-at-Large of Stern magazine. Ms. Gloger, who has covered Russia for more than 25 years, gave thought-provoking insights on contemporary Russia, the mindset of Vladimir Putin, and how the West can cope with the “New Russia.” She noted that Russia is on its way to being a global power again and argued that we are already at the start of a new “Cold War.” This discussion was part of the 2016 Transatlantic Global Agenda Series.

“America and the World: What the U.S. Election Means for Foreign Policy”More than 60 people joined the American Council on Germany, Cultural Vistas, and the German Consulate General of New York on October 20, 2016 for a panel discussion on the U.S. election and what it means for foreign affairs. The speakers were Christopher Caldwell, Senior Editor for The Weekly Standard, and Georg Mascolo, Head of the Joint Investigative Group of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR. The engaging conversation highlighted the foreign policy positions of the presidential candidates, as well as perspectives on globalization, trade, and immigration.

“Going Digital: Industry 4.0 in Germany”On October 11, 2016, the ACG held a discussion and luncheon for corporate members and other close friends with Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, on the global digital economy and Industry 4.0 in Germany. Commissioner Oettinger spoke openly about both the challenges and the great potential of the digital economy and globalization. Technology and innovation may have given rise to populism and nationalism, but the “digital revolution” has great potential.

“The Transatlantic Partnership in an Age of Terrorism and Tectonic Shifts”More than 80 members and friends of the American Council on Germany gathered at a luncheon sponsored by DZ BANK AG to hear from General Michael V. Hayden, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and former Director of the National Security Agency, on September 7, 2016. General Hayden said that although the United States and Europe are “like-minded” on many issues, there are fundamental differences around the use of force and privacy – and that this gap is widening. Differences notwithstanding, he said that countries should be guided not only by what is in their national interest, but also by what is in the interest of the greater good. In that regard, Germany’s actions under Chancellor Merkel regarding the euro and the refugee crisis may not be in the country’s best interest in the near term, but they are for the good of the regional and global order.